Suzie Bélanger
Master’s degree in water science (1993)
Mining waste and environmental management expert
“Back in the day, when I said I was doing a master’s degree in the environment, people would say, ‘Are you going to plant flowers?’ Today, the question is no longer asked!”
Suzie Bélanger has always felt drawn to nature and environmental issues. Before studying at INRS, she completed a bachelor’s degree in geology and was looking to deepen her knowledge while broadening her field of expertise.
What prompted her to choose INRS to pursue her training was the institution’s modern and innovative approach, which stood out from the crowd. The Master’s program in Water Science not only offered rigorous theoretical training, but also integrated applied aspects essential to the industrial sector. The feedback from former students was excellent, and Suzie was convinced by the topicality of the subjects covered and the innovation of the program. She particularly emphasizes the diversity of the curriculum and the links with the professional world.
One of her most vivid memories of her time at INRS is the field camp at Forêt Montmorency. It was there that she met her colleagues and teachers, while immersing herself in hands-on activities such as water sampling. For Suzie, a geologist by training with a passion for the field, these moments of teamwork were particularly rewarding.
After graduating from INRS, Suzie joined the mining exploration sector in Abitibi, where she worked for 14 years with various companies. She quickly acquired expertise in ISO 14001-certified environmental management, specializing in tailings management and environmental permits. Her career has led her to travel and work internationally, including South America, the United States, Australia and Nunavik. At the same time, she has represented the mining industry on several provincial and national committees, including the Quebec Mining Association.
Since 2017, Suzie has been working as an independent consultant, choosing her mandates carefully. She remains passionate about continuous improvement and process simplification in industries. Although she is gradually preparing for retirement, she continues to actively contribute to expert committees and boards of directors, while keeping one foot in the professional world.
To current members of the INRS student community, Suzie’s advice is to make the most of their journey by absorbing as much knowledge as possible and seizing every opportunity that presents itself. According to her, you never know what skills or experiences will prove useful in the future. She also stresses the importance of forging links with colleagues and getting involved in various activities to enrich one’s academic and professional career.